AGF Declares Edo Assembly’s Suspension of LG Chairmen, Vice Chairmen Unconstitutional

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has criticized the recent suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen in Edo State by the state’s House of Assembly, describing the move as unlawful.

Fagbemi stated that while details of the case remain unclear, a state House of Assembly lacks the constitutional authority to suspend duly elected local government leaders. He emphasized that only the legislative arms at the local government level have the power to take such action.

On Tuesday, the Edo House of Assembly passed a resolution suspending the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government areas in the state for two months. The legislative body directed the councils’ legislative arms to assume leadership responsibilities during the suspension period.

Reports indicate that the House acted following a complaint by Governor Sunday Okpebholo, who accused the council leaders of insubordination. The governor alleged that the chairmen and their deputies failed to comply with his directive to submit financial records of their councils for review.

Details shortly ……..